January 15, 2014

Michigan wide receiver Jeremy Gallon / Jarrad Henderson/DFP

Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

Just 18 months ago, Jeremy Gallon was a secondary piece in the Michigan receiving corps.

After a strong finish to last season and record-setting season in 2013, Gallon got an invite to February’s NFL combine and will play in the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Gallon is spending his draft prep time in Indianapolis, training at St. Vincent Sports Performance, where former Wolverine Will Campbell did his work last year.

It’s described as a “six-week intensive program, which incorporates performance training, medicine, nutrition and psychology” for the 17 players and began last week. Former U-M cornerback Marlin Jackson is among those working with the participants.

Whatever edge Gallon can get will be important, given his physical obstacles to overcome.

Though Gallon played as an outside receiver later in his years at Michigan — he broke Braylon Edwards’ single-season receiving yardage record and was the team MVP in 2013 — Big Ten Network analyst Derek Rackley tweeted Tuesday that Gallon was lining up in the slot at Shrine Game practices, where his size would seem a better fit in the pro game.

According to Shrine Game measurements, posted on OptimumScouting.com, Gallon was listed at 5-feet-7.3, the shortest player at the game, just a tick smaller than Mississippi State tailback LaDarius Perkins. He weighed in at 183 pounds, about what he was listed at Michigan.

The National Football Post listed him as one of the Day 1 (Monday) practice players who struggled.

“Gallon certainly didn’t do anything to hurt his draft stock, but for a 5’8 receiver, he has little room for error. He didn’t get a chance to gain separation much of the day with the routes the team was running, but a drop in the red zone and limited open space for quarterbacks to target him concerned me. He’ll look to bounce back Tuesday and beyond, especially with quarterbacks and receivers having more of an opportunity to get on the same page.”